Small Agency of the Year, Northwest, Silver: Nemo Design

Four years before Pixar dreamed up its clownfish, Portland, Ore.-grown Nemo Design launched in 1999. Under a name meaning "no one" in Latin, this 38-person agency strives for "collective progression," believing that "we're stronger together than as individuals," said Mark Lewman, creative director and principal.

Most recently, the shop has worked with clients including Nike, Converse and boat maker MasterCraft, bringing in $8.2 million in revenue last year, an increase of 49% from the previous year.